RAAF GLENBROOK
As part of the Albanese Government’s response to the recommendations of the Defence Estate Audit, the RAAF Glenbrook site will be divested.
Importantly, these changes will take place in consultation with people working onsite at Glenbrook, and with the wider community including the NSW Government and Blue Mountains City Council.
Changes are not taking place overnight.
The decision to divest 67 sites is the most significant reform to the Defence estate ever and includes consolidation of underutilised facilities as recommended in the Audit. It ensures the Australian Defence Force estate is fit-for-purpose, and that ADF personnel have the facilities and capabilities they need to keep Australia safe.
Glenbrook RAAF has been an important part of our lower Mountains community for more than 75 years. Over those years it's been the home and workplace for many RAAF personnel and has played an important role in Australia's defence, so this is a big change and there will be mixed feelings.
The decision creates a number of opportunities that will all need careful consultation and consideration.
There are potential opportunities for tourism, additional housing and for public sport and recreational use. The Government is committed to preserving and enhancing public access to historically significant sites and I would expect we would ultimately see greater public access to this unique and iconic site.
I am mindful that there will be many issues to be worked through including highway access, bushfire resilience and the already protected heritage value of elements of this site. The original Lapstone Hotel, the former service station, and “Briarcliffe” the Air Commander’s residence were heritage listed by NSW in 1991.
I have already raised with the Minister the question of the Airforce Cadets 323 Squadron which has been located opposite the Base since the early 2000s.
The Minister has assured me that the Cadets will remain in the region, with options to be consulted on including relocating to Defence Establishment Orchard Hills or a new lease at a suitable community venue or school.
There are no planned job losses as part of this decision and Defence is consulting with affected personnel on their options for transfer to other sites.
Defence is also working closely with people who work on the Base, and providing support to them and their families.
Minister for Finance, Katy Gallagher, will lead the divestment process, with Finance undertaking a further due diligence process to identify properties suitable for early divestment while other properties may take some time to divest due to complexities such as heritage, remediation and personnel relocation.
I look forward to providing further updates to the community on the progress of the divestment, and opportunities for community input.
The full media release from Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence, Richard Marles, is available here: https://www.minister.defence.gov.au/media-releases/2026-02-04/delivering-future-defence-estate
A copy of the final Defence Estate Audit report and the government’s response is available here: https://www.defence.gov.au/about/reviews-inquiries/defence-estate-audit
A full list of sites is available here: https://www.defence.gov.au/about/locations-property/delivering-future-estate
WEDNESDAY 4 FEBRUARY 2026
